House Assistant Majority Leader and Zambales Rep. Jefferson Khonghun on Wednesday expressed outrage over the reported presence of massive China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 5901 in the waters off Zambales, calling it an alarming display of Chinese aggression and intrusion into Philippine territory and its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
“This is the extreme of aggression. China has no right to enter our territory and EEZ,” said Khonghun in Tagalog. The lawmaker, who also chairs the House Committee on Bases Conversion, was reacting to reports of the 12,000-ton CCG ship dubbed as ‘The Monster’ spotted near his home province.
“These ships are a symbol of bullying that we must not overlook,” he added. Khonghun emphasized that this was not just a violation of international law but also a direct affront to Philippine sovereignty.
“Such actions are not only a threat to our territory, but also to the security and livelihood of our countrymen who depend on our ocean.”
Khonghun, whose province faces the West Philippine Sea (WPS), stressed the importance of standing firm against these incursions. “We should not be afraid. We need to show the world that we can fight for our rights under UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea),” he said.
The Zambales representative called on the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to increase their presence in the area.
Khonghun also urged the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to file another diplomatic protest against China.
In addition to local actions, Khonghun pushed for stronger ties with allies. “We need to strengthen our alliances, particularly with countries that uphold freedom of navigation and international law. This is a fight we cannot win alone,” he said.
The lawmaker warned that allowing such intrusions to go unchecked could embolden China further.
We should not normalize these illegal intrusions into our territory and EEZ,” he said.
Khonghun also highlighted the impact of Chinese aggression on Filipino fishermen in Zambales.
The PCG has been vigilantly monitoring CCG 5901’s movements through BRP Cabra and other air assets. China also sent a People’s Liberation Army-Navy helicopter, which the Philippines’ viewed as an act of provocation, according to PCG spokesperson for WPS Commodore Jay Tarriela.
